Knitted wire fines discriminator

ABSTRACT

Particularly, the knitted wire fluid/gas energy absorber and fines discriminator is designed to provide significantly, enhanced erosion resistance and durability through absorbing energy from fluid moving at elevated and erosive velocities through an energy absorbing and flexible structure, providing also a tortuous path for the fluid/gas, thereby, reducing the risk of sand production and sub terrain erosion damage to tubulars. The wire used for the knitted wire fluid/gas energy absorber and fines discriminator may be made from a range of different materials which possess the desired combination of properties required for this process, and lend themselves to knitting, may be compressed, exhibit desired mechanical strength and flex. Such materials may be: Stainless steel of various grades, metallic alloys of various kinds, (zinc, copper etc), wire made of various fibers such as Kevlar, Aramid and a range of other suitable materials.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. patent application Ser.No. 60/364,481 filed Mar. 15, 2002.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 1. Technical Field

[0003] The present invention relates to producing fluids from wells andin particular to filtering of fluids from wells.

[0004] 2. Prior Art Background

[0005] In the prior art, a method of producing fluid from wells has beento remove all or substantially all solid particles from the fluid beforeit entered the production pipe. Oil and gas production from wells insubsurface reservoirs are from time to time hampered by sand productionfrom the reservoir formation. This can lead to excessive wear of thetubulars installed in the well, upset surface production systems and maytherefore become a serious safety hazard. In order to combat suchproblems filters are often installed as part of the tubular stringinside the well. Over the years several different methods and filtershave been introduced. Some of these methods include gravel packing thewell, use of prepacked filters which may utilize sand, gravel or anothermedia, or use of fibrous materials. All of these solutions, however,exhibit limited erosional strength. In each instance, the primary goalhas been to preclude passage of solid particles through the productionpipe string. The following provides a brief summary of apparatus used toachieve this goal.

[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 3,768,557 describes a graded multi-layer pre-packedsand filter for oil and other fluids containing sand. At col. 1, line15, the stated purpose of the filter is to remove the sand from theliquid before it is produced from the well bore.

[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 4,434,054 describes a filter that is capable ofsegregating out the solid component of a fluid flow. The filtercomprises a bed of randomly disposed fibrous members that retain solidparticles and allow the particle free fluid to pass.

[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 4,917,183 describes a pre-packed gravel packingscreen. The screen has a filtering bed comprising a fluid permneable bedof particulate solids. The particulate solids are sized to effectivelyprevent all the particulate matter in the well production fluids frompassing inwardly through the bed into the well conduit.

[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 5,190,102 describes a pre-pack well screen assemblythat has a sintered metal pre-pack sleeve positioned outside aperforated pipe representing a “first stage” filter. External protectionfor the sintered metal sleeve is a wire wrap screen member.

[0010] U.S. Pat. No. 5,404,954 describes a series of wire screen mesharranged around a slotted or perforated pipe in a manner for filteringparticulate matter from the produced fluids. The exterior meshes removethe larger particles from the fluid stream and the interior mesh removesthe smaller particle from the fluid stream.

[0011] U.S. Pat. No. 6,158,507 describes a wellscreen surrounding theperforated portion of the base pipe, a thin porous membrane comprisingan inner layer of cloth of woven ceramic fibers wrapped around the wirescreen and covered by a porous sleeve membrane of braided ceramicfibers, means for holding the ends of the porous cloth membranes insealing engagement with the base pipe, and a perforated tubular metalshroud surrounding the ceramic cloth membranes to protect the membranesfrom damage when lowered into a wellbore.

[0012] Knitted wire is used in many other industries and for numerouspurposes. The following provides a brief summary of industrial uses ofknitted wire:

[0013] U.S. Pat. No. 5,203,593 describes an exhaust coupling in whichthe clamp is comprised of bolts and resilient compressed steel wire knitsleeves disposed around shanks of the bolts.

[0014] U.S. Pat. No. 5,765,866 describes an airbag inflator comprising ametal housing, knitted wire that the gas from the chemical reactionpasses through, and a stainless steel burst foil. The knitted wire ispreferably made from stainless steel.

[0015] U.S. Pat. No. 5,883,018 describes a fabric for use as astab-resistant insert in protective textiles made of knitted steel cordsand filaments.

[0016] U.S. Pat. No. 6,225,714 describes an electric motor that has agrounding ring made of knit steel wire.

[0017] Searches on “well screen” and “sand screen” yielded some 250patents. Knitted wire mesh is believed to be only described in reissuedPat. No. Re. 31,978 (Sept. 3, 1985). As stated in the Re 31,978 patent,this knitted wire mesh is utilized as a seal means in a packing/sealingelement of a packer. References are made to this patent from numerousscreen patents, so-called ‘pre-packed screens’. These pre-packed screensmake use of the knitted wire mesh, as a medium for retaining thepre-pack solids in these screen assemblies. The knitted wire member isnot utilized as a filtering medium or as a deterrent for erosion.

[0018] Filters made from knitted wire can easily be shaped to desiredform and filter characteristics. It is widely used in closed looppressurized hydraulic circuits in the auto, transport, aircraft, marineand other industries. Knitted wire filters are identified to be superiorto other types of filters for several reasons:

[0019] 1. Easily manufactured to desired filter opening and shape.Knitted wire may be compressed in a press to obtain desired porosity(filter opening). By controlling and combining compression, knittightness, knit pattern and wire thickness, desired filter shapes may beobtained.

[0020] 2. Ability to inhibit erosion from fluid jetting. Because of thevery long interlinked fiber achieved with the knitting process, thesefilters are far stronger than cloth type, cellulose type, and other wiremesh type design filters that are made with short fibers having limited(or none) interlinked strength. The knitting process allows the filterto move or stretch in any direction rather than being unidirectional asa woven material, or bi-directional as a braided material. This canallow the filter to be able to conform to the jetting pattern and betterresist erosion.

[0021] 3. Easily cleaned and reused. Although this is not an applicablepoint for oil and gas well applications, as it is not feasible toremove, clean and reinstall a sand filter in an oil or gas well. (Thiswas however of significant importance in the above mentioned industryapplications). Cleaning may however involve the use of a high pressurefluid jet. This is therefore comparable to being exposed to intermittentoperational fluid erosion.

[0022] 4. Filter can be knitted out of many types of wire: metallic,non-metallic, fiber glass, composites and others. The process ofknitting the filter allows for many types of material to be usedindependently or in conjunction with other materials.

[0023] This is important as materials can be combined to providedifferent desired properties, strengths, flex, compression etc. of thefilter material. Also, the type of material can provide for a type ofcathodic protection of the filter by incorporating metals such as zincor aluminum in the knitting of the filter. The wire used may be madefrom a range of different materials which possess the desiredcombination of properties required for this process, and lend themselvesto knitting, may be compressed, exhibit desired mechanical strength andflex. Such materials may be: Stainless steel of various grades, metallicalloys of various kinds, (zinc, copper etc), wire made of various fiberssuch as Kevlar, Aramid, reinforced fiber lass and a range of othersuitable materials.

[0024] Knitted wire mesh has never been used as a filter media in adownhole production system. It is the object of the present invention tohave a system which is a fines discriminator and a deterrent to erosion,suited for assembly inside subsurface hydrocarbon-producing wells.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0025] The present invention relates to an apparatus that absorbsfluid/gas impact energy thereby reducing tubular erosion damage,secondly to discriminate and filter out sand and other particulatematter from produced fluids. Particularly, the knitted wire fluid/gasenergy absorber and fines discriminator is designed to providesignificantly, enhanced erosion resistance and durability throughabsorbing energy from fluid moving at elevated and erosive velocitiesthrough an energy absorbing and flexible structure, providing also atortuous path for the fluid/gas, thereby, reducing the risk of sandproduction and sub terrain erosion damage to tubulars. Additionally, theinvention relates to a knitted wire energy absorber/discriminator thatmay be used as a fine filter medium for a broad range of particulatematerials from the produced fluids Furthermore, the knitted wirefluid/gas energy absorber and fines discriminator can be used to provideknown pressure loss in a sub terrain production system by flowing thefluid through a tube/container/vessel where discs/layers of knitted wireof known pressure loss is inserted, thereby effectively creating exactpressure loss, the basic foundation for a production inflow controldevice, whereby well inflow may be controlled selectively.

[0026] Similar to knitting a sweater, the knitted wire fluid/gas energyabsorber and fines discriminator may be prepared from layer upon layerof knitted wire. Elements/subassemblies of knitted wire may becompressed to obtain the desired shape, as well as to obtain the desiredfilter media pore opening (porosity). Elements of desired shape may beinstalled onto a perforated or slotted pipe, or onto a wire wrapped,braided or wire mesh screen and held in place by an end ring coupling.Some of the different profiles that can be formed and used are a stackedchevron-packing configuration, stacked cylindrical rings, or stackedoverlapping cylindrical rings/cups. In addition, a profile consisting oflayer upon layer of knitted wire may be applied to a wire wrappedscreen, a wire mesh (or braided wire screen), perforated or slotted pipeand/or a thin walled perforated support pipe.

[0027] Thus, the knitted wire discriminator may be assembled in numerousways:

[0028] Subassemblies of any shape or combination mounted onto aperforated/slotted pipe.

[0029] Subassemblies of any shape or combination mounted onto a wirewrapped screen, wire mesh screen, braided wire screen.

[0030] Manufactured, shaped, formed and installed directly onto aperforated/slotted pipe

[0031] Manufactured, shaped, formed and installed directly onto a wirewrapped screen, wire mesh screen, braided wire screen.

[0032] Alternatively to making subassemblies of knitted (and compressed,shaped) elements, —a knitting machine may knit the wire discriminatordirectly onto, for example, a perforated pipe, a wire wrapped screen, awire mesh (or braided wire) screen and/or a thin walled perforatedsupport pipe, thereby combining the filter effect of a strong wirewrapped screen with the enhancement of a fine filter medium (provided bythe knitted wire fines discriminator) to filter out a very broad rangeof particulate material.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0033] For a better understanding of the nature and objects of thepresent invention, reference should be had to the following drawings,which should be taken in conjunction with the specification and in whichlike parts are given like reference numerals and wherein:

[0034]FIG. 1 is a combination of FIGS. 1 (A)-(C), and FIG. 1 (A) is acutaway, FIG. 1(B) is an endview, and FIG. 1(C) is a sideview of a basepipe perforated full length,

[0035]FIG. 2 is a combination of FIGS. 2(A)-(C), and FIG. 2 (A), (B),and (C) are the same view as FIG. 1 (A), (B), and (C) but showing asingle wire wrapped sand screen,

[0036]FIG. 3 is a combination of FIGS. 3(A)-(D), and FIG. 3 (A), (B),and (C) are the same view as FIG. 2 (A), (B), and (C) but showing abraided wire or wire mesh sand screen and FIG. 3(D) showing alayer-on-layer configuration,

[0037]FIG. 4 is a combination of FIGS. 3(A)-(C), and FIG. 4 (A) is acutaway view, FIG. 4 (B) is an endview, and FIG. 4 (C) is a sideview ofan inner pipe perforated section;

[0038]FIG. 5 is a combination of FIGS. 5(A)-(C), and FIG. 5 (A), (B),and (C) are the same sections as FIG. 4 (A), (B), and (C) but for aninner pipe perforated, full length;

[0039]FIG. 6 is a combination of FIGS. 6(A)-(D), and FIG. 6 (A) is aperspective view, FIG. 6 (B) is an endview, and FIG. 6 (C) is a sectionline view taken along section line A-A of FIG. 6 (B), and FIG. 6 (D) isan enlarged view of the top of FIG. 6 (C) of a knitted wirediscriminator ring, individual ring;

[0040]FIG. 7 is a combination of FIGS. 7(A)-(D), and FIG. 7 (A)-(D) arethe same views as FIG. 6 (A)-(D) except for multiple rings of knittedwire discriminator ring section;

[0041]FIG. 8 is a combination of FIGS. 7(A)-(D), and FIG. 8 (A)-(D) arethe same views as FIG. 7 (A)-(D) except for a full length set ofmultiple rings;

[0042]FIG. 9 is a combination of FIGS. 9(A)-(E), and FIG. 9 (A)-(D) arethe same views as FIG. 8 (A)-(D) except for a knitted wire discriminatorhose section and FIG. 9(E) shows stacked knitted wire mesh sections;

[0043]FIG. 10 is a combination of FIGS. 10(A)-(D), and FIG. 10 (A)-(D)are the same views as FIG. 9 (A)-(D) except this is for a knitted wirediscriminator-layer-on-layer section,

[0044]FIG. 11 is a combination of FIGS. 11(A)-(D), and FIG. 1 is thesame view as FIG. 10 (A)-(D) except for a knitted wirediscriminator-layer-on-layer fall joint length;

[0045]FIG. 12 is a combination of FIGS. 12(A)-(C), and FIG. 12 (A), (B),and (C) are the same views as FIG. 4 (A), (B), and (C) except for anouter pipe perforated section;

[0046]FIG. 13 is a combination of FIGS. 13(A)-(C), and FIG. 13 (A), (B),and (C) are the same views as FIG. 5 (A), (B), and (C) except for anouter pipe perforated full length;

[0047]FIG. 14 is a combination of FIGS. 14(A)-(D), and FIG. 14 (A), (B),and (C) are the same views as FIG. 5 (A), (B), and (C) except they arefor an outer pipe louvered section, having slotted openings 130, andFIG. 14 (D) is a detail cut-through of FIG. 14 (C);

[0048]FIG. 15 is a combination of FIGS. 15(A)-(C), and FIG. 15 (A), (B)and (C) are the same views as FIG. 14 (A), (B), and (C) except for anouter pipe louvered full length;

[0049]FIG. 16 is a cutaway view of the base pipe of the single wire wrapsand screen, inner perforated pipe, knitted wire discriminatormulti-ring, and an outer pipe perforated section;

[0050]FIG. 17 is the same view as FIG. 15 except that the outer pipe isa louvered section; and

[0051]FIG. 18 is a side view of a set of knitted wire discriminatorindividual rings stacked on a perforated base pipe.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0052] The present invention provides a knitted wire discriminator to beused as a fine filter medium to selectively remove fine solid particleswhile allowing the formation fluids to flow into the wellbore. Thepreferred embodiment of the present invention provides a knitted wirefluid/gas energy absorber and fines discriminator with a strongerdeterrent to erosion from formation particles impinging on the knittedwire fluid/gas energy absorber. Additionally, the preferred embodimentof the present invention provides a knitted wire fluid/gas energyabsorber/fines discriminator to be used as a fine filter medium toselectively remove fine solid particles while allowing the formationfluids to flow into the wellbore. The present invention may be installedonto any support carrier as a compressed element or subassembly of adesired shape and preferably onto a perforated or slotted pipe, a wirewrapped screen, a wire mesh (or braided wire screen), and/or a thinwalled perforated support pipe as an element or subassembly that hasbeen compressed into the desired shape. Alternatively, the presentinvention may be knitted directly onto a perforated or slotted pipe, awire wrapped screen, a wire mesh (or braided wire screen), and/or a thinwalled perforated support pipe.

[0053] In accordance with the objects of the present invention, thepreferred embodiment of the knitted wire fluid/gas energy absorber andfines discriminator is formed in a manner to enable it to conform to thebase pipe structure and with the jetting/erosional forces applied to it.Energy of the fluid production stream from the formation is dissipatedbecause the fluid velocity is reduced as it passes through a tortuouspath in the discriminator.

[0054] The knitted wire intertwining loops make it uni-directional whenpulled or stretched. This material is thereby more compliant than awoven material that is uni-directional or a braided material that isbi-directional. The knitting process therefore provides a material moredurable and stronger, along with the strength of the metallic materialbeing used. An optimum design for filtering and for erosion protectioncan be obtained by:

[0055] 1) the size of the loops with up to a maximum of 11 strands ofwire per loop.

[0056] 2) the size of the wire ranging from 0.0005″ to 0.014″.

[0057] 3) the number and arrangement of layers of the wire knittedtogether.

[0058] 4) the physical and chemical properties of the wire.

[0059] These four factors allow the fluid/gas energy absorber and finesdiscriminator to be designed such that there is a maximum reduction inthe impact load to the present invention in the preferred embodiment. Bychanging any or all of the factors, the energy in the produced fluidstream can be diffused and/or dissipated. These factors affect thedensity and permeability of the knitted wire fluid/gas energy absorberand fines discriminator. Thereby, the present invention can be designedto the variances of the formation it is placed across. The wire used forthe knitted wire fluid/gas energy absorber and fines discriminator maybe made from a range of different materials which possess the desiredcombination of properties required for this process, and lend themselvesto knitting, may be compressed, exhibit desired mechanical strength andflex. Such materials may be: Stainless steel of various grades, metallicalloys of various kinds, (zinc, copper etc), wire made of various fiberssuch as Kevlar, Aramid and a range of other suitable materials.

[0060] The size and range of wire that can be knitted in the presentinvention is a maximum of 0.014″ outside diameter (OD) to a minimum of0.0005″ diameter. This wide range of knitting material provides for abroad spectrum of use as a fine filter medium. The compressed units aredesigned to be placed over the perforated or slotted pipe, thewire-wrapped screen, a wire mesh (or braided wire screen), and/or thethin walled perforated support pipe have a thickness of approximately0.080″ and a height ranging from 1″ to 35′, depending on themanufacturing process of the knitted wire filter. Therefore the OD ofthe base material is not greatly affected by the addition of the knittedwire filter.

[0061] The present invention further provides a well filter assembly foruse in cased hole and open hole production systems that resistsdeformation and maintains its filtering characteristics. As previouslynoted, the present invention uses knitted wire as a deterrent to erosionand as a filter medium. In one embodiment of the preferred embodiment,the knitted wire filter may be placed on subassemblies of any shape orcombination mounted onto a perforated or slotted pipe, a wire wrappedscreen, a wire mesh (or braided wire screen), and/or a thin walledperforated support pipe. However, another of the present inventionembodiments of the preferred embodiment additionally provides a knittedwire discriminator manufactured, shaped, formed and installed directlyonto a perforated pipe or a wire wrapped screen.

[0062] In addition the present invention can be fitted with an outerprotective shielding that has perforated or louvered holes. The outershield can be shrunk fit onto to the knitted wire filter member, eitherby preheating and/or the use of mechanical rollers. This process offitting the outer shield serves to achieve desired properties, such asdensity, porosity, permeability and mechanical strength, on the knittedwire filter member. This shield will insure a protected installation inboth cased and open hole well environment.

[0063] As shown in FIG. 1, perforated base pipe (A) is full lengthconventional casing with holes drilled through the wall. This is theload bearing member of the screen. It has an inner diameter 10, such as5.921 or 4.892 inches, and an outer diameter 20, such as 6 ⅝ inches and5 ½ inches. It further has holes 30, such as ⅜″ holes, and could rangefrom ⅕″ to ¾″, which can be of any pattern.

[0064] As shown in FIG. 2, Single Wire Wrap Sand Screen, or SWWSS (B),is a sand filter (8)manufactured by simultaneously wrapping and weldingan endless stainless steel profile wire 41 onto longitudinal ribs 42which are installed directly onto the outside of a perforated base pipe(A). The profile wire is welded with an exact gap to the previous wire,thereby creating a slot, through which oil and gas will flow, but whichwill stop formation sand from being produced. The manufacturing processensures the screen wire is shrink fit to the casing.

[0065] As shown in FIG. 3, braided wire/wire mesh sand screen (C), is asand filter manufactured by wrapping a single or multiple layers ofbraided wire 48 or wire mesh 49 directly onto the outside of aperforated base pipe (A) or slotted wire pipe. The braided wire 48 orwire mesh 49 creates a filter medium through which oil and gas willflow, but which will stop formation sand from being produced. FIG. 3(D)illustrates braded wire ⅛ in a layer-on-layer configuration with wiremesh 49.

[0066] As shown in FIG. 4, inner pipe perforated, section (D) is a shortsection (2-10 ft and preferably 3-10 fit) of thin walled pipe with holesin the pipe wall that are drilled, cut or punched. (D), together withany of discriminators (F), (G), (H), (I), (J),OR (K), discussed below,will be fitted onto base pipe (A), or sand screen (B) or (C) as desired.The inner diameter 51 and outer diameter 52 of the inner pipe perforatedsection (D) are large enough to slide over a single wire wrapped screen(B). The inner wire pipe perforated section (D) is held in place by endrings.

[0067] As shown in FIG. 5, inner pipe perforated, full joint length (E)is a long section (as long as base pipe (A) of thin walled pipe withholes in the pipe wall that are drilled, cut or punched. Inner pipe (E),together with discriminators (F), (G), (H), (I), (J),OR (K),as discussedbelow, will be fitted onto base pipe (A) or sand screen (B) or (C) asdesired.

[0068] As shown in FIG. 6, knitted wire discriminator, compressedindividual ring (F) is a sand discriminator/sand filter made fromknitted wire 81 that is compressed into a specific shape exhibitingspecific and desired properties of: porosity, density, stiffness, flex,size. The knitted wire filter will absorb fluid impact energy andprovide filtering capabilities. Final solids filtering may or may not beperformed by the single wire wrap sand screen (B) or (C). Thickness ofthe knitted filter may be 1-10 mm or ⅛″ to ½″, depending on permeabilitydesired, length may be 10-100 mm. Diameter will be to fit with pipe orscreen (A), (J), (C), (D) or (E). Discriminator (F) is fitted onto pipeor screen (A), (B), (C), (D) or (E) as desired. Thus, the inner diameter51 is large enough to slip over inner perforated pipe (A) or SWWSS (B)or (C).

[0069] As shown in FIG. 7, knitted wire discriminator, compressedmultiple rings, sections (G) include a sand discriminator/sand filtermade from knitted wire 81 that is compressed into a specific shapeexhibiting specific and desired properties of: porosity, density,stiffness, flex, size. Multiple rings are stacked on top of each otherto desired length between an outer and inner thin walled perforatedtube, in order to keep the rings in place. The knitted wire filter willabsorb fluid impact energy and provide filtering capabilities. Finalsolids filtering may or may not be performed by the single wire wrapsand screen (B) or braided wire/wire mesh sand screen (C). Thickness ofthe knitted filter may be 1-10 mm or ⅛″ to ½″, depending on permeabilitydesired, length may be 100-1000 mm. Diameter will be to fit with pipe orscreen (A), (B), (C), (D) or (E). Discriminator (G) is fitted onto pipeor screen (A), (B), (C), (D) or (E) as desired.

[0070] As shown in FIG. 8, knitted wire discriminator, compressedmultiple rings, full joint length (H) include a sand discriminator/sandfilter made from knitted wire 81 that is compressed into a specificshape exhibiting specific and desired properties of: porosity, density,stiffness, flex, size. Multiple rings are stacked on top of each otherto desired length between an outer and inner thin walled perforatedtube, in order to keep the rings in place. The knitted wire filter willabsorb fluid impact energy and provide filtering capabilities. Finalsolids filtering may or may not be performed by the single wire wrapsand screen (B) or braided wire or wire mesh sand screen (C). Thicknessof the knitted filter may be 1-10 mm or ⅛″ to ½″, depending onpermeability desired, length may be 100-1000 mm. Diameter will be to fitpipe or screen (A), (B), (C), (D) or (E). Discriminator (H) is fittedonto pipe or screen (A), (B), (C), (D) or (E) as desired.

[0071] As shown in FIG. 9, knitted wire discriminator, compressed hosesection (AI) is a sand discriminator/sand filter that is made bycompressing individual or multiple continuous layers of knitted wire 81between an outer and inner thin walled perforated tube to desiredlength, such that specific and desired properties, like: porosity,density, stiffness, flex, size are met. The knitted wire filter willabsorb fluid impact energy and provide filtering capabilities. Finalsolids filtering may or may not be performed by the single wire wrapsand screen (B) or braided wire or wire mesh sand screen (C). Thicknessof the knitted filter may be 10-60 mm or may be ⅛″ to ½″, and length asdesired such as three to six feet. Diameter will be to fit pipe orscreen (A), (B), (C),(D) or (E). The entire assembly may, or may not becompressed or rolled to alter or modify the final desired properties andgeometric shape. Discriminator (I) is fitted onto pipe or screen (A),(B), (C), (D) or (E) as desired.

[0072] As shown in FIG. 10, knitted wire discriminator, layer-on-layer,section (J) is a sand discriminator/sand filter that is made byinstalling multiple layers of knitted wire 81 on top of each other suchthat specific and desired properties, like: porosity, density,stiffness, flex, size are met. The knitted wire filter will absorb fluidimpact energy and provide filtering capabilities. Final solids filteringmay or may not be performed by the single wire wrap sand screen (B) orbraided wire or wire mesh sand screen (C). Thickness of the knittedfilter may be 10-60 mm, length is as desired such as three to six feet.Diameter will be to fit pipe or screen (A), (B), (C), (D) or (E). Theentire assembly may, or may not be compressed or rolled to alter ormodify the final desired properties and geometric shape. Discriminator(J) will be fitted onto pipe or screen (A), (B), (C),(D) or (E) asdesired. FIG. 10(D) shows multiple layers 81, 82, 83 to build densityand permeability, each layer concentrically mounted over the next innerlayer. The density and permeability of the section (J is determined bythe size of the wire, for the descriminator, the size of the openings inthe mesh and the number of layers.

[0073] As shown in FIG. 11, knitted wire discriminator, layer-on-layer,full joint length (K) is a sand discriminator/sand filter that is madeby installing multiple layers of knitted wire 81 on top of each othersuch that specific and desired properties, like: porosity, density,stiffness, flex, size are met. The knitted wire filter will absorb fluidimpact energy and provide filtering capabilities. Final solids filteringmay or may not be performed by the single wire wrap sand screen (B) orbraided wire or wire mesh sand screen (C). Thickness of the knittedfilter may be 10-60 mm, length is as desired. Diameter will be to fitpipe or screen (A), (B), (C), (D) or (E). The entire assembly may, ormay not be compressed or rolled to alter or modify the final desiredproperties and geometric shape. Discriminator (J) will be fitted ontopipe or screen (A), (B), (C), (D) oe (E) as desired.

[0074] As shown in FIG. 12, outer pipe perforated, section (L) is ashort section (2-10 ft) of pipe with holes 30 in the pipe wall that aredrilled, cut or punched. The purpose of this pipe is to serve as ashroud, or protection, to the filter medium beneath, such as (F), (G),(H), (I), (J) or (K). Section (L) will be fitted onto discriminator (F),(G), (H), (I), (J) or (K) as desired.

[0075] As shown in FIG. 13, outer pipe perforated, full length (M) is afull length of pipe with holes 30 in the pipe wall that are drilled, cutor punched. The purpose of this pipe (M) is to serve as a shroud, orprotection, to the filter medium beneath, such as (F), (G), (H), (I),(J) or (K). Pipe (M) will be fitted onto discriminator (F), (G), (H),(I), (J) or (K). as desired.

[0076] As shown in FIG. 14, outer pipe louvered, section (N) is a shortsection (2-10 ft) of pipe with louvered openings 130 in the pipe wallthat are cut or punched. The purpose of this pipe is to serve as ashroud, or protection, to the filter medium beneath, such as (F), (G),(H), (I), (J) or (K). Section (N) will be fitted onto discriminator (F),(G), (H), (I), (J) or (K).as desired.

[0077] As shown in FIG. 15, outer pipe louvered, fall length (O) is afull length of pipe with louvered openings 130 in the pipe wall that arecut or punched. The purpose of this pipe is to serve as a shroud, orprotection, to the filter medium beneath, such as (F), (G), (H), (I),(J) or (K). Section (O) will be fitted onto discriminator (F), (G), (H),(I), (J) or (K). as desired.

[0078] Various combinations of the parts illustrated below may be usedtogether to use a discriminator in particular applications.Illustrations of these combinations are set out below:

[0079] 1.) Comprises parts A, B or C, F, and L.

[0080] Part (A) is manufactured first. Part (B) or (C) is thenmanufactured onto part (A). Multiple parts (F) are installed onto part(B) or (C) until stacked full. Finally, multiple parts of (L) is fittedover above described parts. Part (L) may or may not be welded to eachother to provide increased robustness. Screen end sections are closedwith welded end rings.

[0081] 2.) Comprises parts A, B or C, F, and M.

[0082] Part (A) is manufactured first. Part (B) or (C) is thenmanufactured onto part (A). Multiple parts (F) are installed onto part(B) or (C) until stacked full. Finally, part (M) is fitted over abovedescribed parts. Screen end sections are closed with welded end rings.

[0083] 3.) Comprises parts A, B or C, F, and N.

[0084] Part (A) is manufactured first. Part (B) or (C) is thenmanufactured onto part (A). Multiple parts (F) are installed onto part(B) or(C) until stacked fill. Finally, multiple parts of (N) is fittedover above described parts. Part (N) may or may not be welded to eachother to provide increased robustness. Screen end sections are closedwith welded end rings.

[0085] 4.) Comprises parts A, B or C, F, and O.

[0086] Part (A) is manufactured first. Part (B) or (C) is thenmanufactured onto part (A). Multiple parts (F) are installed onto part(B) or(C) until stacked full. Finally, part (O) is fitted over abovedescribed parts. Screen end sections are closed with welded end rings.

[0087] 5.) Comprises parts A, B or C, G, and L.

[0088] Part (A) is manufactured first. Part (B) or (C) is thenmanufactured onto part (A). Multiple sections of (G) are installed ontopart (B) or (C) until stacked full. Finally, multiple parts of (L) isfitted over above described parts. Part (L) may or may not be welded toeach other to provide increased robustness. Screen end sections areclosed with welded end rings, such as FIGS. 16 and 18.

[0089] 6.) Comprises parts A, B or C, G, and M.

[0090] Part (A) is manufactured first. Part (B) or (C) is thenmanufactured onto part (A). Multiple sections of (G) are installed ontopart (B) or (C) until stacked full. Finally, part (M) is fitted overabove described parts. Screen end sections are closed with welded endrings.

[0091] 7.) Comprises parts A, B or C, G, and N.

[0092] Part (A) is manufactured first. Part (B) or (C) is thenmanufactured onto part (A). Multiple sections of (G) are installed ontopart (B) or (C) until stacked full. Finally, multiple parts of (N) isfitted over above described parts. Part (N) may or may not be welded toeach other to provide increased robustness. Screen end sections areclosed with welded end rings, such as FIG. 17

[0093] 8.Comprises parts A, B or C, G, and O.

[0094] Part (A) is manufactured first. Part (B) or (C) is thenmanufactured onto part (A). Multiple sections of (G) are installed ontopart (B) or (C) until stacked full. Finally, part (O) is fitted overabove described parts. Screen end sections are closed with welded endrings.

[0095] 9.) Comprises parts A, B or C, E, H, and L.

[0096] Part (A) is manufactured first. Part (B) or (C) is thenmanufactured onto part (A). Multiple rings of (H) are installed ontopart (E) until stacked full. Assembly (H)+(E) is fitted onto (B) or (C).Finally, multiple parts of (L) is fitted over above described parts.Part (L) may or may not be welded to each other to provide increasedrobustness. Screen end sections are closed with welded end rings.

[0097] 10.) Comprises parts A, B or C, E, H, and M.

[0098] Part (A) is manufactured first. Part (B) or (C) is thenmanufactured onto part (A). Multiple rings of (H) are installed ontopart (E) until stacked full. Assembly (H)+(E) is fitted onto (B) or (C).Finally, part (M) is fitted over above described parts. Screen endsections are closed with welded end rings.

[0099] 11.) Comprises parts A, B or C, E, H, and N.

[0100] Part (A) is manufactured first. Part (B) or (C) is thenmanufactured onto part (A). Multiple rings of (H) are installed ontopart (E) until stacked full. Assembly (H)+(E) is fitted onto (B) or (C).Finally, multiple parts of (N) is fitted over above described parts.Part (N) may or may not be welded to each other to provide increasedrobustness. Screen end sections are closed with welded end rings.

[0101] 12.) Comprises parts A, B or C, E, H, and O.

[0102] Part (A) is manufactured first. Part (B) or (C) is thenmanufactured onto part (A). Multiple rings of (H) are installed ontopart (E) until stacked fall. Assembly (H)+(E) is fitted onto (B) or (C).Finally, part (O) is fitted over above described parts. Screen endsections are closed with welded end rings.

[0103] 13.) Comprises parts A, B or C, D, I, and L.

[0104] Part (A) is manufactured first. Part (B) or (C) is thenmanufactured onto part (A). Multiple sections of (I) are installed ontopart (D) until stacked full. Assembly (I)+(D) is fitted onto (B) or (C).Finally, multiple parts of (L) is fitted over above described parts.Part (L) may or may not be welded to each other to provide increasedrobustness. Screen end sections are closed with welded end rings.

[0105] 14.) Comprises parts A, B or C, D, I, and M

[0106] Part (A) is manufactured first. Part (B) or (C) is thenmanufactured onto part (A). Multiple sections of (I) are installed ontopart (D) until stacked full. Assembly (I)+(D) is fitted onto (B) or (C).Finally, part (M) is fitted over above described parts. Screen endsections are closed with welded end rings.

[0107] 15.) Comprises parts A, B or C, D, I, and N

[0108] Part (A) is manufactured first. Part (B) or (C) is thenmanufactured onto part (A). Multiple sections of (I) are installed ontopart (D) until stacked full. Assembly (I)+(D) is fitted onto (B) or (C).Finally, multiple parts of (N) is fitted over above described parts.Part (N) may or may not be welded to each other to provide increasedrobustness. Screen end sections are closed with welded end rings.

[0109] 16.) Comprises parts A, B or C, D, I, and O

[0110] Part (A) is manufactured first. Part (B) or (C) is thenmanufactured onto part (A). Multiple sections of (I) are installed ontopart (D) until stacked full. Assembly (I)+(D) is fitted onto (B) or (C).Finally, part (O) is fitted over above described parts. Screen endsections are closed with welded end rings.

[0111] 17.) Comprises parts A, B or C, D, J, and L

[0112] Part (A) is manufactured first. Part (B) or (C) is thenmanufactured onto part (A). Multiple sections of (J) are installed ontopart (D) until stacked full. Assembly (J)+(D) is fitted onto (B) or (C).Finally, multiple parts of (L) is fitted over above described parts.Part (L) may or may not be welded to each other to provide increasedrobustness. Screen end sections are closed with welded end rings.

[0113] 18.) Comprises parts A, B or C, D, J, and M

[0114] Part (A) is manufactured first. Part (B) or (C) is thenmanufactured onto part (A). Multiple sections of (J) are installed ontopart (D) until stacked full. Assembly (J)+(D) is fitted onto (B) or (C).Finally, part (M) is fitted over above described parts. Screen endsections are closed with welded end rings.

[0115] 19.) Comprises parts A, B, or C, D, 3 and N

[0116] Part (A) is manufactured first. Part (B) or (C) is thenmanufactured onto part (A). Multiple sections of (J) are installed ontopart (D) until stacked full. Assembly (J)+(D) is fitted onto (B) or (C).Finally, multiple parts of (N) is fitted over above described parts.Part (N) may or may not be welded to each other to provide increasedrobustness. Screen end sections are closed with welded end rings.

[0117] 20.) Comprises parts A, B or C, D, J and O

[0118] Part (A) is manufactured first. Part (B) or (C) is thenmanufactured onto part (A). Multiple sections of (J) are installed ontopart (D) until stacked full. Assembly (J)+(D) is fitted onto (B) or (C).Finally, part (O) is fitted over above described parts. Screen endsections are closed with welded end rings.

[0119] 21.) Comprises parts A, B or C, E, K and L

[0120] Part (A) is manufactured first. Part (B) or (C) is thenmanufactured onto part (A). Section (K) is installed onto part (E).Assembly (K)+(E) is fitted onto (B) or (C). Finally, multiple parts of(1) is fitted over above described parts. Part (L) may or may not bewelded to each other to provide increased robustness. Screen endsections are closed with welded end rings.

[0121] 22.) Comprises parts A, B or C, E, K and M

[0122] Part (A) is manufactured first. Part (B) or (C) is thenmanufactured onto part (A). Section (K) is installed onto part (E).Assembly (K)+(E) is fitted onto (B) or (C). Finally, part (M) is fittedover above described parts. Screen end sections are closed with weldedend rings.

[0123] 23.) Comprises parts A, B or C, B, K and N

[0124] Part (A) is manufactured first. Part (B) or (C) is thenmanufactured onto part (A). Section (K) is installed onto part (B).Assembly (K)+(B) is fitted onto (B) or (C). Finally, multiple parts of(N) is fitted over above described parts. Part (N) may or may not bewelded to each other to provide increased robustness. Screen endsections are closed with welded end rings.

[0125] 24.) Comprises parts A, B or C, E, K and O

[0126] Part (A) is manufactured first. Part (B) or (C) is thenmanufactured onto part (A). Section (K) is installed onto part (E).Assembly (K)+(E) is fitted onto (B) or (C). Finally, part (O) is fittedover above described parts. Screen end sections are closed with weldedend rings.

[0127] 25.) Comprises parts A, F, and L.

[0128] Part (A) is manufactured first. Multiple parts (F) are installedonto part (A) until stacked full. Finally, multiple parts of (L) isfitted over above described parts. Part (L) may or may not be welded toeach other to provide increased robustness. Screen end sections areclosed with welded end rings.

[0129] 26.) Comprises parts A, F, and M.

[0130] Part (A) is manufactured first. Multiple parts (F) are installedonto part (A) until stacked full. Finally, part (M) is fitted over abovedescribed parts. Screen end sections are closed with welded end rings.

[0131] 27.) Comprises parts A, F, and N.

[0132] Part (A) is manufactured first. Multiple parts (F) are installedonto part (A) until stacked full. Finally, multiple parts of (N) isfitted over above described parts. Part (N) may or may not be welded toeach other to provide increased robustness. Screen end sections areclosed with welded end rings.

[0133] 28.) Comprises parts A, F, and O.

[0134] Part (A) is manufactured first. Multiple parts (F) are installedonto part (A) until stacked fill. Finally, part (O) is fitted over abovedescribed parts. Screen end sections are closed with welded end rings.

[0135] 29.) Comprises parts A, D, G and L

[0136] Part (A) is manufactured first. Multiple sections of (G) areinstalled onto part (D) until stacked full. Assembly (G)+(D) is fittedonto (A). Finally, multiple parts of (L) is fitted over above describedparts. Part (L) may or may not be welded to each other to provideincreased robustness. Screen end sections are closed with welded endrings.

[0137] 30.) Comprises parts A, D, G and M

[0138] Part (A) is manufactured first. Multiple sections of (G) areinstalled onto part (D) until stacked full. Assembly (G)+(D) is fittedonto (A). Finally, part (M) is fitted over above described parts. Screenend sections are closed with welded end rings.

[0139] 31.) Comprises parts A, D, G and N

[0140] Part (A) is manufactured first. Multiple sections of (G) areinstalled onto part (D) until stacked full. Assembly (G)+(D) is fittedonto (A). Finally, multiple parts of (N) is fitted over above describedparts. Part (N) may or may not be welded to each other to provideincreased robustness. Screen end sections are closed with welded endrings.

[0141] 32.) Comprises parts A, D, G and O

[0142] Part (A) is manufactured first. Multiple sections of (G) areinstalled onto part (D) until stacked full. Assembly (G)+(D) is fittedonto (A). Finally, part (O) is fitted over above described parts. Screenend sections are closed with welded end rings.

[0143] 33.) Comprises parts A, E, H and L.

[0144] Part (A) is manufactured first. Multiple rings of (H) areinstalled onto part (E) until stacked full. Assembly (H)+(E) is fittedonto (A). Finally, multiple parts of (L) is fitted over above describedparts. Part (L) may or may not be welded to each other to provideincreased robustness. Screen end sections are closed with welded endrings.

[0145] 34.) Comprises parts A, E, H and M

[0146] Part (A) is manufactured first. Multiple rings of (H) areinstalled onto part (F) until stacked full. Assembly (H)+(F) is fittedonto (A). Finally, part (M) is fitted over above described parts. Screenend sections are closed with welded end rings.

[0147] 35.) Comprises parts A, E, H and N

[0148] Part (A) is manufactured first. Multiple rings of (H) areinstalled onto part (E) until stacked full. Assembly (H)+(E) is fittedonto (A). Finally, multiple parts of (N) is fitted over above describedparts. Part en) may or may not be welded to each other to provideincreased robustness. Screen end sections are closed with welded endrings.

[0149] 36.) Comprises parts A, E, H and O

[0150] Part (A) is manufactured first. Multiple rings of (H) areinstalled onto part (E) until stacked full. Assembly (H)+(E) is fittedonto (A). Finally, part (O) is fitted over above described parts. Screenend sections are closed with welded end rings.

[0151] 37.) Comprises parts A, D, I and L

[0152] Part (A) is manufactured first. Multiple sections of (I) areinstalled onto part (D) until stacked full. Assembly (I)+(D) is fittedonto (A). Finally, multiple parts of (L) is fitted over above describedparts. Part (L) may or may not be welded to each other to provideincreased robustness. Screen end sections are closed with welded endrings.

[0153] 38.) Comprises parts A, D, I and M

[0154] Part (A) is manufactured first. Multiple sections of (I) areinstalled onto part (D) until stacked full. Assembly (I)+(D) is fittedonto (A). Finally, part (M) is fitted over above described parts.

[0155] 39.) Comprises parts A, D, I and N

[0156] Part (A) is manufactured first. Multiple sections of (I) areinstalled onto part (D) until stacked full. Assembly (I)+(D) is fittedonto (A). Finally, multiple parts of (N) is fitted over above describedparts. Part (N) may or may not be welded to each other to provideincreased robustness. Screen end sections are closed with welded endrings.

[0157] 40.) Comprises parts A, D, I and O

[0158] Part (A) is manufactured first. Multiple sections of (I) areinstalled onto part (D) until stacked full. Assembly (I)+(D) is fittedonto (A). Finally, part (O) is fitted over above described parts.

[0159] 41.) Comprises parts A, D, J and L

[0160] Part (A) is manufactured first. Multiple sections of (J) areinstalled onto part (D) until stacked full. Assembly (J)+(D) is fittedonto (A). Finally, multiple parts of (L) is fitted over above describedparts. Part (L) may or may not be welded to each other to provideincreased robustness. Screen end sections are closed with welded endrings.

[0161] 42.) Comprises parts A, D, J and M

[0162] Part (A) is manufactured first. Multiple sections of (J) areinstalled onto part (D) until stacked full. Assembly (J)+(D) is fittedonto (A). Finally, part (M) is fitted over above described parts. Screenend sections are closed with welded end rings.

[0163] 43.) Comprises parts A, D, J and N

[0164] Part (A) is manufactured first. Multiple sections of (J) areinstalled onto part (D) until stacked full. Assembly (J)+(D) is fittedonto (A). Finally, multiple parts of (N) is fitted over above describedparts. Part (N) may or may not be welded to each other to provideincreased robustness. Screen end sections are closed with welded endrings.

[0165] 44.) Comprises parts A, D, J and O

[0166] Part (A) is manufactured first. Multiple sections of (J) areinstalled onto part (D) until stacked full. Assembly (J)+(D) is fittedonto (A). Finally, part (O) is fitted over above described parts. Screenend sections are closed with welded end rings.

[0167] 45.) Comprises parts A, E, K and L

[0168] Part (A) is manufactured first. Section (K) is installed ontopart (E). Assembly (K)+(E) is fitted onto (A). Finally, multiple partsof (L) is fitted over above described parts. Part (L) may or may not bewelded to each other to provide increased robustness. Screen endsections are closed with welded end rings.

[0169] 46.) Comprises parts A, E, K and M

[0170] Part (A) is manufactured first. Section (K) is installed ontopart (E). Assembly (K)+(E) is fitted onto (A). Finally, part (M) isfitted over above described parts. Screen end sections are closed withwelded end rings.

[0171] 47.) Comprises parts A, E, K and N

[0172] Part (A) is manufactured first. Section (K) is installed ontopart (E). Assembly (K)+(E) is fitted onto (A). Finally, multiple partsof (N) is fitted over above described parts. Part (N) may or may not bewelded to each other to provide increased robustness. Screen endsections are closed with welded end rings.

[0173] 48.) Comprises parts A, E, K and O

[0174] Part (A) is manufactured first. Section (K) is installed ontopart (E). Assembly (K)+(E) is fitted onto (A). Finally, part (O) isfitted over above described parts. Screen end sections are closed withwelded end rings. Alternative ResQ configurations ResQ Itm: AssemblyParts 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 A Perforated/Slotted Basepipe FullJoint Length x x x x x x x x x x x x x B SWWSS* Full Joint Length x x xx x x x x x x x x x C Wire/Braided Wire Mesh Screen Full Joint Length xx x x x x x x x x x x x D Inner Pipe Perforated Section x x x x x EInner Pipe Perforated Full Joint Length x x x x F Knitted WireDiscriminiator Compressed ring Individual ring x x x x G Knitted WireDiscriminiator Compressed multiple rings Section x x x x H Knitted WireDiscriminiator Compressed multiple rings Full Joint Length x x x x IKnitted Wire Discriminiator Compressed hose section Section x J KnittedWire Discriminiator Layer-on-layer Section K Knitted Wire DiscriminiatorLayer-on-layer Full Joint Length L Outer Pipe Perforated Section x x x xM Outer Pipe Perforated Full Joint Length x x x N Outer Pipe LouveredSection x x x O Outer Pipe Louvered Full Joint Length x x x ResQ Itm:Assembly Parts 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 APerforated/Slotted Basepipe Full Joint Length x x x x x x x x x x x x xB SWWSS* Full Joint Length x x x x x x x x x x x C Wire/Braided WireMesh Screen Full Joint Length x x x x x x x x x x x D Inner PipePerforated Section x x x x x x x E Inner Pipe Perforated Full JointLength x x x x F Knitted Wire Discriminiator Compressed ring Individualring x x G Knitted Wire Discriminiator Compressed multiple rings SectionH Knitted Wire Discriminiator Compressed multiple rings Full JointLength I Knitted Wire Discriminiator Compressed hose section Section x xx J Knitted Wire Discriminiator Layer-on-layer Section x x x x K KnittedWire Discriminiator Layer-on-layer Full Joint Length x x x x L OuterPipe Perforated Section x x x M Outer Pipe Perforated Full Joint Lengthx x x x N Outer Pipe Louvered Section x x x O Outer Pipe Louvered FullJoint Length x x x ResQ Itm: Assembly Parts 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 3536 37 38 39 A Perforated/Slotted Basepipe Full Joint Length x x x x x xx x x x x x x B SWWSS* Full Joint Length C Wire/Braided Wire Mesh ScreenFull Joint Length D Inner Pipe Perforated Section x x x x x x x E InnerPipe Perforated Full Joint Length x x x x F Knitted Wire DiscriminiatorCompressed ring Individual ring x x G Knitted Wire DiscriminiatorCompressed multiple rings Section x x x x H Knitted Wire DiscriminiatorCompressed multiple rings Full Joint Length x x x x I Knitted WireDiscriminiator Compressed hose section Section x x x J Knitted WireDiscriminiator Layer-on-layer Section K Knitted Wire DiscriminiatorLayer-on-layer Full Joint Length L Outer Pipe Perforated Section x x x MOuter Pipe Perforated Full Joint Length x x x N Outer Pipe LouveredSection x x x x O Outer Pipe Louvered Full Joint Length x x x ResQ Itm:Assembly Parts 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 A Perforated/Slotted BasepipeFull Joint Length x x x x x x x x x B SWWSS* Full Joint Length CWire/Braided Wire Mesh Screen Full Joint Length D Inner Pipe PerforatedSection x x x x x E Inner Pipe Perforated Full Joint Length x x x x FKnitted Wire Discriminiator Compressed ring Individual ring G KnittedWire Discriminiator Compressed multiple rings Section H Knitted WireDiscriminiator Compressed multiple rings Full Joint Length I KnittedWire Discriminiator Compressed hose section Section x J Knitted WireDiscriminiator Layer-on-layer Section x x x x K Knitted WireDiscriminiator Layer-on-layer Full Joint Length x x x x L Outer PipePerforated Section x x M Outer Pipe Perforated Full Joint Length x x NOuter Pipe Louvered Section x x O Outer Pipe Louvered Full Joint Lengthx x x

[0175] The knitted wire fines discriminator has superior filtercapabilities as one can tailor the properties of the filter medium;parameters such as thickness, wire diameter(s), porosity, permeability,compaction/density, etc. can be varied in a controlled manner.

[0176] Erosion resistance and durability of the knitted wire finesdiscriminator is enhanced, partially due to the intertwining of thesteel wires from the knitting process.

[0177] Erosion resistance is further enhanced by:

[0178] 1) the size of the loops with up to a maximum of 11 strands ofwire per loop.

[0179] 2) the size of the wire ranging from 0.0005″ to 0.014″.

[0180] 3) the number and arrangement of layers of the wire knittedtogether.

[0181] 4) the physical and chemical properties of the wire.

[0182] Due to the high erosion resistance, the knitted wire finesdiscriminator reduces the risk of sand production (more difficult toerode holes in the knitted wire filter and thereby provide a path forsand particles).

[0183] The knitted wire fines discriminator has a large effective flowarea (highly porous −75%—and controlled permeability).

[0184] The discriminators are also able to be installed inconfigurations for which there has been experience for the structure tofilter materials. Thus, it is adaptable to current configurations. Thisis illustrated by the 48 different types set out above.

[0185] Because many varying and difference embodiments may be madewithin the scope of the invention concept taught herein which mayinvolve many modifications in the embodiments herein detailed inaccordance with the descriptive requirements of the law, it is to beunderstood that the details herein are to be interpreted as illustrativeand not in a limiting sense.

What is claimed:
 1. A subterranean pipe system, comprising: asubstructure tubular member having an exterior wall and having at leastone opening therethrough; a knitted wire energy absorber, said energyabsorber covering at least a portion of said exterior wall of saidsubstructure.
 2. The pipe system of claim 1, wherein each of saidsubstructure openings is perforated.
 3. The pipe system of claim 1,wherein each of said substructure openings is slotted.
 4. The pipesystem of claim 1, wherein said energy absorber includes a knitted wiremesh cylindrical ring surrounding said substructure.
 5. The pipe systemof claim 1, wherein said energy absorber includes a stack of knittedwire mesh cylindrical rings.
 6. The pipe system of claim 1, whereinthere is further included a tubular member mounted over said energyabsorber and in fluid communication with the well and said energyabsorber.
 7. The pipe system of claim 1, wherein said tubular member hasopenings therethrough.
 8. The pipe system of claim 1, wherein saidsubstructure tubular member includes a wire wrapped screen mountedaround said exterior wall of said substructure tubular member.
 9. Thepipe system of claim 1, wherein said covering is a wire mesh screen. 10.The pipe system of claim 1, wherein said wire mesh screen covers atleast a portion of said exterior wall of said tubular member.
 11. Thepipe system of claim 1, wherein said energy absorber includes a knittedwire mesh screen acting as a fines discriminator.
 12. The pipe system ofclaim 1, wherein there is further included an outer protective shieldingcovering said energy absorber.
 13. The pipe system of claim 12, whereinsaid outer protective shielding has openings therethrough.
 14. The pipesystem of claim 13, wherein said openings are perforations in said outerprotective shielding.
 15. The pipe system of claim 13, wherein saidopenings are leuvered.
 16. The pipe system of claim 12, wherein energyabsorber includes an exterior wall and said outer protective shieldingis mounted to cover said exterior wall.
 17. The pipe system of claim 1,wherein said energy absorber includes a knitted wire mesh screen andsaid knitted wire mesh includes wire, said wire being stainless steel.18. The pipe system of claim 1, wherein said energy absorber includes aknitted wire mesh screen and said knitted wire mesh includes wire, saidwire being metallic alloys of zinc.
 19. The pipe system of claim 1,wherein said energy absorber includes a knitted wire mesh screen andsaid knitted wire mesh includes wire, said wire being metallic alloys ofcopper.
 20. The pipe system of claim 1, wherein said energy absorberincludes a knitted wire mesh screen and said knitted wire mesh includeswire, said wire being fibers of kavler.
 21. The pipe system of claim 1,wherein said energy absorber includes a knitted wire mesh screen andsaid knitted wire mesh includes wire, said wire being fibers of aramid.22. The pipe system of claim 1, wherein said energy absorber includes aseries of knitted wire mesh cylinders layered around each other, saidinner cylinder covering said portion of said exterior wall.
 23. The pipesystem of claim 1, wherein said energy absorber includes a series ofwire mesh cylinders layered around each other, said inner cylindercovering said portion of said exterior wall.
 24. The pipe system ofclaim 1, wherein said energy absorber includes a series of wire mesh andbraided wire cylinders layered around each other, said inner cylindercovering said portion of said exterior wall.
 25. A subterranean pipesystem, comprising: a substructure tubular member having a wall andhaving at least one opening therethrough; a knitted wire mesh screenacting as a fines discriminator, said knitted wire mesh screen coveringat least a portion of said wall of said substructure, said energyabsorber juxtaposed to at least a portion of said wall of saidsubstructure.
 26. A knitted wire inflow control apparatus for providingknown pressure loss for a flowing fluid in a pipe, comprising: acylindrical shaped inner tubular member, said tubular member having aknown pressure drop, said tubular member including layers of knittedwire mesh and being mounted in the pipe.
 27. The control apparatus ofclaim 26, wherein said pipe is in a subterranean production systemhaving flowing fluid flowing through said tubular member to produce thepressure loss.